Chapter 343

Chapter 0343

The difference in the kitchen from this morning to now is almost unrecognizable. When Carios and I walk in, I don’t know what to say. Thankfully, my unbelievable mate cues me in that I need to help our omegas feel comfortable and positive about their work.

I make sure to go to each one and listen to what they are doing and praise them for their hard work. In my experience, omegas look to their ranked members, but specifically their Alphas, for praise and reinforcement that they are doing well. Knowing that every one of them is here because they were mistreated, I want to set a new standard that, as their Alpha, they are very much appreciated.

When I’m done, I walk back over to Grace. “I need to do some work on scheduling patrols. I just wanted to check on you and see how things were going, but I apparently am not needed here.” I tell Grace with a smile. I still can’t believe the transformation in the kitchen. And based on some of the warrior’s faces, they are also surprised that they are being served like they would be in a normal pack.

I pull Grace into me, holding her close. “What do you have planned for the rest of the day, baby?”

“I need to make a food plan and figure out what food we have and what we need. Then I want to start on the packhouse and begin to inventory our supplies, rooms and find some workers who want to be a part of the packhouse cleaning crew. I have a couple already from this morning, but we’ll need more than that.” “Do you need anything from me?” I ask her, not sure that she does at this point. “We need more meat. The pig that they caught a couple days ago will be gone after dinner tonight. Is it possible to send some wolves out this afternoon to hunt some more meat for the pack?” She asks.

I look at Carlos. “Who do you have that usually goes out to hunt?”

“I usually go with the lead warriors that aren’t on duty.” He says.

“Perhaps you and I should go instead. What do you think?” I ask him.

His answering smile is all the answer I need.

“We’ll be back with more food shortly.” I kiss Grace, leaving her to her work, knowing she has it all in hand.

When Carlos and I walk out, there are several warriors coming in from their patrol. One steps up to us before we pass.

“Beta Carlos, Alpha Eli, may I have a word?”

“Noah. What can we do for you?” Carlos asks.

“I noticed that the kitchen is being staffed better today, but that also means we will need additional food. I just came off shift and was wondering when you might be going out to hunt again. I’d like to join you.

I look at Carlos to get his read on Noah. I’m not getting any discontent from him, but Noah addressed him, so I decide to let Carlos answer.

“We’re heading out now, Noah. You’re welcome to join us.” Carlos tells him.

He falls in line with us, and we begin heading to the forest again.

“I saw that you caught a wild pig before. What other game do you hunt in these woods?” I ask as we continue walking.

It’s Noah that responds. “The wild pigs are plentiful and have become nuisance animals, so it’s good to hunt those. Also, there are plenty of deer in the forest. Besides that, there are duck, rabbits, turkey and bear in this area. We haven’t caught a bear as of yet, but that would definitely help feed the pack. We do periodically send the older pups out to fish as well.”

“I take it you’re one of the primary hunters for the pack?” I ask, wondering if he is one of my contenders tomorrow.

“That’s correct Alpha. And I should be honest and let

u know I’ve put my name in for the Alpha challenge tomorrow. No offense to you at all, but this pack needs a strong leader and I feel I could be that leader.”

“Understood and thank you for your honesty. That’s also a quality that an Alpha needs, but many don’t have.”

“In my opinion, Noah is the strongest contender for your position Alpha.” Carlos

says.

I turn to Noah. “Then I expect good things from you during our hunt today, Noah.”

“Same goes, Alpha.” We chuckle as we strip out of our clothes before shifting. I let them lead me to the area where they usually hunt. Several hours later, we have deer, rabbits and turkeys that we begin to carry back.

‘Nice job, Noah. Your wolf is an excellent hunter.”

“Thank you, Alpha, but he’s not quite as good as yours.”

“Louis and I have been hunting our own food for most of our lives.” I reply as we continue to toward the packhouse. “If you don’t mind me asking, what brought you to this pack, Noah?”

“Not at all. I know almost everyone here has a story that brought them to this pack. It makes us unique from other packs. My story isn’t terrible. I was the second son of a Beta. My brother took over when the Alpha’s son took over as Alpha.” I watch as he shrugs his shoulders, eyes lost in the past.